More than all the stars in the sky - An Addicted Prequel

Virat's Manvi

This update must seem like coming from the dead :-) But, I was reading this book recently and really felt like finishing this story. 

Manvi took a deep breath as her car was slowly entering through the gates of Virat's home estate in India. She was feeling very nervous and anxious as Virat wasn't by her side. They had decided that she would go a couple of weeks earlier and Virat would join her as soon as he can. This was the only way to fulfill all the grand wedding plans of Virat's mom. They had such elaborate rituals and poojas planned, that spanned more than a month, that Virat just could not accommodate all of them in his work schedule. 

She remembered how one evening, when Manvi was fixing dinner, he, slowly, apprehensively asked her.

"I don't know if you will be comfortable with this, I myself am not sure how comfortable I will be sending you by yourself, but what do you think about going to India a couple of weeks earlier than we had planned? by yourself?" 

She had looked at him a bit surprised, taken back by his proposal. 

"You should know this is the last thing I want...but the alternative is that I would have to tell Mom to cut half the things she has planned...but, if you go early, I am thinking after your finals, it looks like Mom can get started on some poojas and whatnot." 

She smiles shaking her head. The only time Virat had any difficulty articulating exactly what's in his mind is when he is unsure of something. But, she knew he wouldn't have asked if it was not important for him. Yes, she always imagined she would go there with Virat together. Yes, she was nervous around Virat's mom and understood there were expectations from her as a daughter-in-law. Yes, she had never been to India and never had the sort of first hand exposure to the culture and practices there. And yes, as a result, she felt a very out of her depth the few times she was around Virat's mom. But, for Virat, she would do anything...

"I get it Virat. You don't want to disappoint Ma. There are not many things she insists on, and this seems like the least we should be able to give her..." she completes his thoughts as if understanding his entire quandary, and putting him out of all his concerns in an instant.

He looks at her sighing. "Yes."

"Why are you so uncomfortable asking me this? You are acting as if you are sending me to some place random. Its your childhood home. Its where you grew up. Its where your parents created a life for you, and are planning a grand wedding for us. And..." she sweetly puts her hands around his neck "...if I am not mistaken, after our wedding, that is going to be my home, right, traditionally speaking..."  

He smiles his shy smile "Yes, your sasural."

"..so what's the problem?" she asks shrugging.

"I would imagine a new bride, even after her wedding, being very apprehensive around her in-laws. And here I am talking about you going before our wedding, without me. Are you sure? You would be by yourself for at least a couple of weeks or more..." he asks her again, still concerned.

"Your mom is so sweet. I am sure I will be fine."

He laughs as if amused by the thought of Manvi living with his Mom for so long. "That's what you say now..."

She waves him off "... and you will thank me by taking me shopping after you come. I heard there are streets in Delhi with the prettiest bangles in the whole world. You will take me there."

"Of course, why else am I there?" he smiles. "So, you will go?"

"Haan baba."

This is the least I can do for Virat, she reminds herself and tries to calm her nerves. And what's the worst that can happen? she asks herself. Well, they will hate you and decide you are no good for their darling son -  her conscious quickly points out. She looks around scared. No, No. Nothing like that will happen. It will be fine. She takes a deep breath.